Must-See Superlatives of Bolivia
Bolivia has so many superlatives to its name. It is the hemisphere’s highest nation with a geography that also makes it the most isolated and rugged country 
this side of world. Add in the well-known fact that the country has many of the world’s extremes of cold, hot and windy and you have a place where extreme adventure exists alongside a great culture, a friendly people and a unique heritage. Esramag
Bolivia is a must-see for its rainforests, lakes and other breathtaking natural wonders worth at least one visit in this lifetime. Just don’t expect ocean-side beaches as the country is a landlocked. Here are the top must-see superlatives in Bolivia that should be included in your itinerary for your first and subsequent visits.
Lake Titicaca
Arguably, Lake Titicaca is the most famous lake in all of South America and you will see why when you get here. The heartland of the continent is the stuff of legends, both ancient and modern, with the oldest on record being that Lake Titicaca gave birth to the sun and the Incas.
We are inclined to believe such a legend just by looking at the richness of the lake itself and the area surrounding it. The lake’s distinctive navy blue color is rich in flora and fauna while the green gemlike islands spread across it shine in the sun. The gentle shores host a gentle people practicing agriculture like their ancestors did centuries ago.
Lake Titicaca is also a sacred lake. As such, you will find numerous ancient monuments including waist-high burial towers, oversized stone penises and other sacred sites that speak of the Bolivians’ rich heritage.
Lest you think that the people living in Lake Titicaca have no sense of fun, think again. Conversational Hypnosis The riotous religious fiesta known as Candelaria is one of the greatest shows of them all even rivaling the Carnaval.
Salar de Uyuni
A vast, eerie and haunting sea of salt straight out from the biblical Sodom and Gomorrah scene – this is the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat at 12,000 square kilometers and located at a lofty 3,653 meters. To say that its beauty is awe-inspiring is an understatement; you must see it to believe it.
The Salar de Uyuni features islands of bright salt punctuated by colored mineral lakes in delicate colors. In the middle of this vast sea of salt lies the Inkahuasi Island, a rocky and hilly island with gigantic cacti that seem to rise out from nowhere.
La Paz
Let’s not forget La Paz, Bolivia’s administrative capital. (Sucre is the constitutional capital) It is dizzying in many aspects from its high altitude of 3,660 meters to its quirky beauty unlike any other in South America.
La Paz appears to be built into the natural landscape so much like the great ancient cities of Bolivia’s past. The buildings cling to the canyons’ sides and then appear to slide downwards into the urban center where people in business suits move just as easily as the colorfully-clad people. Look up and see the snowy and showy Mount Illimani on a clear day, which is almost always every day.
These are just a few of the superlative places in Bolivia. You must be in the country to plan your trip and see more its wonders.
Money Matters in Bolivia
Bolivia’s national currency is the boliviano (Bs). It comes in denominations of 200, 500, 50, 20 and 10 with coins in 5, 2, and 1. Tourists and expatriates with US dollars on them will have little problem in using the currency at hotels, restaurants and shops especially for large expenses. Ilomessina Exchange from an international currency to the boliviano is also possible in casa de cambio agencies usually at the prevailing market rate.
Lower Costs of Living
The enjoyment of Bolivia even on a shoestring budget is possible, thanks to the lower cost of living in the country in comparison with its neighboring countries. You will find that almost everything is affordable without too many compromises on good quality, if and when your money is in US dollars.
Just don’t expect your transportation costs to be on the low side, however, as this is the biggest expense in Bolivia. Argan Oil This can be attributed to the great distances between cities and towns as well as other places of interest.
When looking for the goods and services, always agree with the vendors about the prices before actually paying them. Hard bargaining is not a generally accepted practice among Bolivians with many actually considering it inconsiderate of tourists to begrudge a fellow his few extra boliviano.
As sad as it may seem, Bolivia may have one of the richest natural resources in Latin America but it is also one of the poorest. Fat Loss 4 Idiots If you can help out a Bolivian, then it will be a great memory in your travels in his country.
Bring Cash
There are cajero automaticos (ATMs) in large towns and cities with the most common banks providing for this service being the Banco de Santa Cruz, Banco Nacional de Bolivia and Banco Mercantil. It is best to bring along sufficient cash for your trip since the machines and the hours of operation are unreliable, to say the least. Credit cards can be used for advances in the banks thanks to electronic payment processors such as those offered by the Crescent Processing Company. Bring your Visa, Plus and Cirrus cards since these are the most commonly accepted.
As with any travel to foreign countries, be careful with your wallet and its contents. Keep your valuables as close to your body as possible even going so far as to keep a secret stash somewhere in your clothes. Apartments Paris This way, any unforeseen events of a manmade nature can be coped with since cash is still on hand.
International Transfers
Now, if you run out of money and your credit card is maxed out while in Bolivia, you can always have your family or friends send money in. The most reliable ways are through Western Union and Money Gram for same day transfers although the fees can be hefty. Your other choice is through bank-to-bank transfers. But beware as the process can take 2 business days to complete.
Your stay in Bolivia should be a shoestring traveler’s dream. But this does not mean that the country is lacking in luxuries because you will find posh accommodations, gourmet food and drinks, and great shopping in big cities. Add the natural friendliness of its people despite the hardships of life and money should not be too much of an issue. Msd Chicago
Mind Your Manners in Bolivia
When in Bolivia, do as the Bolivians do. Or at least, be mindful of your manners, your behavior and your actions while in the country so as to show respect for its people’s culture, heritage and society. truth about abs review You will be able to make friends, do business and enjoy your stay here.
Speak the Language
The first sign of respect for Bolivians is to speak their language. Brush up on your Spanish since this is one of three languages in the country aside from the most widely spoken. Spanish is spoken by more than 60% the population while the other two official languages, namely, Quechua and Aymara are spoken by approximately 21% and 14% of the people.
Bring an English-Spanish phrasebook when your grasp of Bolivia’s main language is shaky. You will find that it will be a necessary accessory regardless where you may be in the country although a few touristy areas will have plenty of people who can understand English.
Meeting the People
Bolivians are known to be polite if formal people. This is evident in their way of meeting and greeting new people, be it fellow Bolivians or a foreigner come to visit their beautiful country. Keep the following good manners in mind:
• Shake hands when being introduced as this is a sign of friendliness. Be sure to wait for the woman to offer her hand in a handshake, however, as Bolivia is still one of the conservative countries in Latin America.
• Make direct eye contact. Your inability to meet the eyes of a new acquaintance may be seen as unfriendly.
• Informal relationships warrant a warm embrace or a pat on the shoulder for the men while the women will give each other a kiss on the check. (Not recommended for new acquaintances)
• Greet people according to the time of day. Learn the basic phrases of “Buenas dias”, “Buenas tardes” and “Buenas noches”.
• Always use an individual’s title in addressing him or her. If you take the pains to research or remember, you will be making a good impression. If the person has no title, be sure to address him or her with Señor or Señora followed with the surname.
Doing Business
Bolivians treat their business dealings in a formal and professional manner. Shake the hand of the other businessman when meeting and before leaving although women can choose not to shake hands.
Aside from the usual pleasantries, be sure to exchange business cards during the initial introductions. A Spanish-language business card with your academic credentials on it will be highly appreciated. This is also true for other business materials.
During the first few meetings, you are building trust and confidence with your potential business client, partner or buyer. Don’t rush the meeting, don’t start discussions about the business until the Bolivian says so, and don’t leave things hanging. Ensure that you also clearly agree on the terms of business but without seeming too pushy. This is the case whether you are discussing an advertising deal for chiropractic marketing or a nation-wide advertising campaign for the biggest fast food company in the US. Time is secondary to making a satisfactory end to the meeting so adjust your schedule accordingly.
Bolivia is a country where the people value their dignity. Be sure to respect such value and you will find that Bolivians are a happy, friendly and hospitable people.
Real Estate In Bolivia is Inexpensive and Becoming More Attractive To Foreign Investors
The good news about buying real estate in Bolivia is that land prices are inexpensive. Those interested in getting their hands on some incredibly attractive properties will be able to do so at a fraction of what similar properties would cost in neighboring South American countries.
Of course, there is a reason land is so cheap in Bolivia. For starters, Bolivia is largely a mountainous country with large tracts of land located in high, remote locations where there are few or no modern conveniences.
Also the country of Bolivia itself is less advantageously positioned in this part of the world than its South American neighbors – Brazil, Chili, Argentina, Peru and Paraguay – all of which have access to the sea, and thus fine beach and resort potential. Bolivia is land locked. Bolivia plays second-fiddle within the travel and tourist industry in general because of the greater attractions in the countries which surround it.
Another factor to consider when considering real estate speculation in Bolivia is an ongoing and aggressive government attempt at land reform. Some 90% of the land is owned by just 10% of the population. Bolivian President Evo Morales promised to institute a program that would break up this virtual monopoly on land ownership among primarily the wealthy – however, instituting land reform has proven slow and difficult.
But the good news is that land reform efforts do not affect properties of 12,000 acres or smaller, so this is not an issue for more people looking for smaller properties. What about a 10-acre site that has a house on it? As a very general example, such a property could easily be found for $50,000 or less. Remember, prices vary widely. Bolivia is a big country.
Another challenge is financing. Much of the real estate business in Bolivia today is done on a cash-only basis. Financing instruments within Bolivia are difficult to arrange, though not impossible.
Many consider real estate in Santa Cruz an exciting opportunity. This old colonial city has a vibrant economy, and a young, growing population. Business is good. Demand for American and European goods is surging. Santa Cruz has become a favorite location for expatriates. The population is highly multicultural and ethnically diverse. The general feeling is that getting into real estate in Santa Cruz now means appreciating returns from those investments into the foreseeable future. This is true for both commercial and residential properties.
The climate in most non-mountainous regions of Bolivia is ideal, with winter temperatures averaging around 70 F and summers around 90 F. Because of this, and cheap real estate, Bolivia is becoming a more frequent choice for retirees from developed countries. Homes purchased by retirees and others have enjoyed appreciation rates of 10% to 30% per year, on average, since the early 1990s.
The vast majority of foreign investors in Bolivian real estate find their financing plans on the Internet – if they are not in a position to pay cash, that is. Do your homework well! Arranging real estate financing via Internet based lenders is not an activity for the uninformed. Take your time to learn well everything you need to know, or rely on an experienced, trusted financial advisor who specializes in South American real estate work.
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